WHAT: Robotics event for grades 1-3. This year’s event theme is “Planning Perfect Playgrounds.” Participating teams designed and created a robotic playground set model based on research that consisted of surveying teachers, peers, parents, administrators, school staff, etc., regarding preferences on elements of an effective playground design. Students had to create the sets using the 9580 LEGO® Education WeDo™ Construction Set, as well as specific requirements previously provided by the Region 7 ESC Gifted and Talented Department. These playground sets will be showcased and judged at the May 6 event. Students will discuss their survey results and how those results were used to design their playground as part of the judging process. Additionally, students will participate in a “playground challenge” in which they will be provided a box of supplies to create a board game in about 30-45 minutes. Students will have to create instructions that their peers can follow. Once all the games are created, the students will rotate between each team’s game and play for about 5-7 minutes.

WHEN: The event is taking placeMay 6, 2014 from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Region 7 ESC located at 1909 N. Longview St. in Kilgore.

WHY: This event challenges students to use skills from across the four major learning subjects. This event is unique to the Region 7 area, and the competitive activities are solely designed and written by Region 7 ESC and district staff. This is a great opportunity to see young minds at work—and at play!